Rochester
Morning News
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Rochester. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rochester locals remembered civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson who died Tuesday as community members recalled his strong local ties and uplifting message. Flags across New York fly at half-staff today to honor his lasting legacy. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Two new stores will open in Eastview Mall in Victor this spring. Newbury Comics will take over the 4,388 sqft former FYE space to offer comics, vinyls, and pop culture items while local Mouna Jewelry will start a 900 sqft shop to feature jewelry + craftsmanship. News 10
- ➤ Mall owner Wilmorite announced Feb. 17 that two new stores will open this spring at Eastview Mall in Victor. Newbury Comics will use the 4,388 sqft Main Court space (formerly FYE) and local Mouna Jewelers will occupy a 900 sqft location across from The GAP. Democrat & Chronicle
- ➤ A French firm, Reju, is partnering with Goodwill of the Finger Lakes to build a $390 million textile recycling hub at Eastman Business Park. The project will recycle millions of garments and create 70 jobs, with operations set to begin by the end of 2029. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Navy Concert Band will perform a free concert at 4 p.m. Sunday at Hochstein Performance Hall, featuring American classics, patriotic favorites and contemporary works — part of its national tour for the 250th anniversary of the United States; organizers recommend reservations. WXXI News
- ➤ Wicked opens today at West Herr Auditorium Theatre as part of the RBTL season and runs until March 1 — a free shuttle is available for the Feb. 19 matinee and tickets remain limited. ABC 13
- ➤ Applications are open for artists seeking to perform at Rochester Fringe Festival. The festival will run from Sept. 15 to 26 at local venues. FOX Rochester
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rochester City School District payroll errors from last summer persist after switching to the new Oracle system, leaving some employees with faulty W-2 forms. Tuesday night's Board forum addressed the seven-month issues, but district leaders have not provided a clear timeline for fixes. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rochester Olympians Chris Lillis and Haley Winn will compete at the Winter Games tomorrow. Lillis will ski aerial qualifiers in Livigno, Italy at 5 a.m. local time while fellow athlete Winn will play in the hockey gold medal game against Canada at 1:10 p.m. WXXI News
- ➤ Skramble House of Golf invites local players to try a virtual tournament this Saturday at its Perinton facility & Chris Lopez explains how the event allows play indoors despite poor weather. ABC 13
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
7-8 p.m. — Temple Theater — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting melodies of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed under the gentle glow of candlelight.
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Seven Wonders - A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
7:30-11:30 p.m. — The Theater At Innovation Square — Tickets available — Experience the energy and legacy of Fleetwood Mac through this stunning tribute band.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Everyone from grand masters to rookies can come play and share strategies at this welcoming chess gathering.
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Rochester Speed Dating for Singles Age 31-44
6:30-8:30 p.m. — The Hideaway — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly environment.
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Electric Feels - Indie Rock and Electronic Dance Party
9-11:30 p.m. — Anthology — Tickets start at $48 — Experience an unforgettable indie rock and electronic dance party in Rochester.
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Casting Connections: Ice Fishing Edition
8:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Braddock Bay Park — Cost included — Experience a unique outdoor adventure focused on building connections through ice fishing.
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Family Chess Club
3-4 p.m. — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Engage in chess strategy and fun for all skill levels at this family-friendly club.
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Nintendo Switch Thursday
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Winton Branch Library — Free entry — Experience gaming fun with Mario, Link, and Pokémon at this family-friendly event.
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Grease School Edition
7 p.m. — OFC Creations Theatre Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic musical reimagined for schools in a community theater setting.
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2026 Fly Fishers Workshop
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Jewish Community Center — Free entry — Enjoy a day of fly fishing workshops, seminars, and family-friendly conservation education with food trucks and live music.
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Customer Service Insurance Agent - Personal Lines
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No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
~ Mark Caine
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